The “contract marriage” trope is a popular theme in many Chinese dramas, both old and new. It usually begins with two people agreeing to a fake or temporary marriage for a specific reason like pleasing their families, protecting their interests, or solving business problems. They set clear rules for their pretend marriage, often in a written contract. What makes these dramas so enjoyable is seeing how the relationship changes. At first, the couple might not get along and often clash, creating funny and awkward moments. But as they spend time together, they start to see each other’s true selves. Slowly, their fake marriage turns into real feelings and love. This transformation from pretending to genuine care is what makes these stories so heartwarming and fun to watch. Here are five modern Chinese dramas you shouldn’t miss that use this popular contract marriage theme.
“Unforgettable Love”
He Qiao Yan (Wei Zhe Ming) is a powerful CEO. He’s sharp and serious but also a single dad who’s struggling to connect with his son, He Wei Fei, called Xiao Bao (Sun Si Cheng). After a tragic car accident, Xiao Bao stops speaking and communicates only through cards. Despite his success, He Qiao Yan feels lost when it comes to helping his son. Then comes Qin Yi Yue (Hu Yi Xuan), a kind and patient child psychologist who quickly gains Xiao Bao’s trust. Seeing how important she is to his son’s healing, He Qiao Yan asks Qin Yi Yue to marry him in a contract marriage and become Xiao Bao’s “contract mother.” What starts as an arrangement to support Xiao Bao slowly grows into something more. As they work together to help Xiao Bao find his voice, He Qiao Yan and Qin Yi Yue discover care, understanding, and an unexpected love.
This touching drama is about family, healing, and how love can grow in the most unexpected ways.
Start watching “Unforgettable Love”:
“Once We Get Married”
This story revolves around Gu Xi Xi (Wang Yu Wen), a bright and ambitious fashion buyer who runs a small online bridal shop. She dreams of starting her fashion brand someday. While trying to obtain a custom dress for a client, she sneaks into a prestigious fashion event and accidentally meets Yin Si Chen (Wang Zi Qi), a wealthy and aloof CEO who is there for an important business deal. A misunderstanding leads them to agree on a three-month contract marriage to help Si Chen impress a top designer who wants to see a perfect couple before signing a partnership. From the start, they clash — Xi Xi thinks Si Chen is cold and bossy, while he finds her chaotic and unpredictable. However, as they live together, they begin to see each other in a different light. Si Chen is drawn to Xi Xi’s warmth and passion, while she discovers the caring man behind his tough exterior. Their fake marriage starts to feel real.
Just when their feelings grow stronger, problems arise. Xi Xi’s old friend Mo Zi Xin (Ian Yi) returns with feelings for her, and Si Chen’s possessive childhood friend Ran Xi Wei (Zhong Lili) tries to come between them. Light, fun, and full of sweet moments, this series is a fresh take on the contract marriage story where a business deal turns into a journey of love.
Start watching “Once We Get Married”:
“Begin Again”
Lu Fang Ning (Zhou Yu Tong) is a smart and successful CEO who’s used to getting what she wants. But with her family pressuring her to marry and have a child before she turns thirty, she takes matters into her own hands. She plans to win over Ling Rui (Gong Jun), a kind but stubborn surgeon who isn’t interested in her schemes. Using her influence, Lu Fang Ning pushes into his life and offers a one-year contract marriage. Ling Rui is hesitant but agrees when he discovers they share a past. What starts as a fake marriage quickly turns messy and later real. Their very different personalities cause chaos, but also bring them closer. As they face family drama and personal challenges, they realize this deal might be more than just an arrangement.
“Begin Again” is a funny and heartwarming story about two people from different worlds finding unexpected love and figuring out if it’s worth keeping.
“Perfect and Casual”
Zhang Si Nian (Wei Zhe Ming) is a top university professor. He’s smart, serious, and all about rules and order. He believes everything in life can be explained by logic. Yun Shu (Xu Ruo Han) is a cheerful, easygoing student about to graduate. She trusts her feelings more than facts. After a scam leaves Yun Shu homeless, she meets Si Nian by chance. With his grandfather pushing him to settle down before surgery, Si Nian suggests a contract marriage, a practical fix for both of them. Living together, their very different personalities cause both funny moments and tension. She brings warmth and spontaneity to his orderly life, while he offers calm and stability to hers. What starts as a simple deal slowly turns into something real.
This Chinese drama is a sweet, slow-burning romance about two very different people who learn to understand each other, and how sometimes, opposites don’t just attract, they complete each other.
Start watching “Perfect and Casual”:
“She and Her Perfect Husband”
Qin Shi (Yang Mi) plays a successful lawyer who is under pressure from her family to get married. To land a job at a top law firm, she invents a husband named Yang Hua. Her plan goes awry when the real Yang Hua (Xu Kai) shows up. It turns out he is also under pressure from his family to find a partner. To solve both of their problems, they decide to pretend to be a married couple. They navigate their fake relationship, which is full of funny misunderstandings and challenges at work and home. As they spend more time together, they start to see the real person behind the facade and develop real feelings for each other.
When Qin Shi’s past comes back and outside challenges put their fake marriage at risk, they both have to face what they truly want from love and life. The series reminds us that while we may start with a perfect lie, true love is found when we’re finally brave enough to be ourselves.
Start watching “She and Her Perfect Husband”:
Which of these C-dramas do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below!
mon.y is a devoted connoisseur of Asian dramas and pop culture, with a deep-rooted love for storytelling that spans K-dramas, C-dramas, J-dramas, and everything in between. A longtime entertainment addict turned passionate writer, she brings heartfelt enthusiasm and a sprinkle of sass to every review and deep dive.
Currently watching: “Law and The City,” “The Nice Guy,” and “My Lovely Journey.”
Looking forward to: “Twelve”
